(Michigan City, IN) - The Christmas spirit during a challenging year can still be found at a stretch of lakefront that is always decorated as a winter wonderland during the holidays.

           

The Festival of Lights at Washington Park in Michigan City seems to be just as popular as ever and especially needed as an escape from a world turned upside down by the pandemic.

           

“Just love it here especially this year with everything going on. It’s amazing.  It makes you feel good,” said John Martin of Valparaiso.  He and his wife, Tracy, attempt to bring their five-year old son, Aiden, to see the lights every year.

 

Mrs. Martin described their walk across the grounds as a a “morale booster”, with the beaming lights in the trees along with lighted figures including Santa Claus, snowmen and a gingerbread house.  Another lighted display looks like a pond with people and penguins skating on the ice.

           

Holly Leslie of Michigan City brings her two children, ages 13 and 6, each year following the tradition of her visiting the Festival when she was growing up.Leslie said she appreciates the experience more this year.  “It’s nice especially with COVID.  You get to get out.  You’re usually stuck in the house,” she said.

Rae’vynn Stewart, 11, of Michigan City said the snowmen and lighted display of dancing flowers are her favorites.  "It’s beautiful and it brings joy when I see them,” she said.

 

Mike and Pam Nemeth have been making the one hour drive for about the past six-years from Edwardsburg, Michigan to see the lights.   A large green snail and boys appearing to be throwing snowballs at each other are among the displays he likes best.  “It’s just neat to walk through here,” Mr. Nemeth said.

The Festival of Lights started in 1981 with a single lighted Christmas tree figure then grew to more than 50 lighted displays and lights in the trees during the 90’s.  Roughly 20 more displays were added later.

 

In 2006, the Festival of Lights was rated one of the top 100 events in North America by the elite tourist organization, the American Bus Association.

 

Jack Arnett, executive director of the LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the display is one of the biggest winter time attractions here.

 

“It’s good for the community.  Folks and families like it.  We’re glad to have it,” he said.